Simon Rix reacts as ‘outstanding’ Sam Greenwood ruled out of Leeds United clash v Middlesbrough
Simon Rix has reacted to the news that Sam Greenwood won’t be able to play for Middlesbrough against Leeds United due to the conditions in his loan contract.
Speaking on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on Thursday (30 November, 13:50), the Kaiser Chiefs bassist and Whites fan said it’s “good for us” that the 21-year-old Boro loan star will miss the clash at Elland Road on Saturday (2 December).
BBC Leeds journalist Jonny Buchan responded by saying that the English attacking midfielder has been one of the Teesside club’s “outstanding players” this season under Michael Carrick.
“So Sam Greenwood can’t play for them I’m assuming?” asked Rix.
“No, you wouldn’t have thought so,” replied Buchan. “He’s been one of their outstanding players this season.”
“So that’s good for us,” added Rix.
Advantage
It’s pretty much the done thing to not allow your own player to play against you in these instances as it’s a potentially embarrassing situation that clubs are keen to avoid.
Greenwood has been in superb form for Middlesbrough after scoring four goals and laying on two assists in 15 appearances, all of which have come in his last eight outings.
It was important to allow him to go out and earn some regular first-team minutes this season and that is exactly what he has been provided with at the Riverside Stadium.
His absence will weaken Boro to some degree after he has emerged as an important player for Carrick in recent weeks, so that is an advantage for the Whites ahead of the game.
Daniel Farke will no doubt have been keeping a close eye on the attacking midfielder’s development over the past couple of months ahead of his return to Elland Road at the end of the campaign.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites player is surely set for a January exit after the latest Farke snub.